Republicans urge removal of judge who gave Iryna Zarutska’s suspected killer cashless bail
Ten Republican lawmakers in North Carolina are calling for the removal of Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes, who released Decarlos Brown Jr., a violent criminal accused of fatally stabbing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska. The GOP members signed a letter demanding formal proceedings to remove Stokes from the bench due to her “reckless” decision to release Brown Jr. on cashless bail despite knowing about his extensive criminal history and mental health issues.
The letter addressed to Chief District Court Judge Roy Wiggins stated that Stokes’ ruling to release Brown Jr. based on his written promise to appear for a future court date had “devastating consequences,” leading to Zarutska’s murder. The lawmakers accused Stokes of willful failure to perform her duties and engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
Rep. Tim Moore, along with nine other GOP members, are leading the charge to hold Stokes accountable for her actions. They believe that the tragedy could have been prevented and are seeking justice for Zarutska and her family. Brown Jr., who had been arrested at least 14 times in North Carolina for various crimes including assault, firearms possession, robbery, and larceny, was released on cashless bail by Stokes despite his criminal record.
While out on bail, Brown Jr. viciously stabbed Zarutska in an unprovoked attack on a Charlotte light rail train. The shocking incident, caught on video, showed Brown Jr. unfolding a pocket knife and fatally stabbing Zarutska as she sat in front of him. He is currently held without bond in the Mecklenburg County Jail on murder charges.
Zarutska, who had sought refuge in the US after Russia invaded her home country, was described as a young woman living the American dream before her tragic death. Brown Jr.’s family revealed that he battled schizophrenia and should not have been released back onto the streets. US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced federal criminal charges against Brown Jr. for killing Zarutska, attributing the murder to failed soft-on-crime policies.
The case has drawn national attention, with President Trump calling Brown Jr. a “lunatic” and condemning the senseless act of violence. The tragedy has sparked a debate on criminal justice policies and the need for accountability in the judicial system. The push to remove Judge Stokes from the bench reflects a broader call for justice and reform to prevent similar incidents in the future.
